Laura Hewitt

1931 - 2024

Laura Hewitt
Laura Hewitt, beloved daughter of Frank and Rosalia Corao, went home to her Heavenly Father on May 30, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home on Lake Zoar in Sandy Hook, surrounded by the love of her adoring family. Laura was just shy of celebrating her 93rd birthday.
Born June 8, 1931, in Queens, NY, Laura was the child of Sicilian immigrants who came to the U.S. through Ellis Island in the 1920s.
She doted over her 41 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Laura's sweet love story started in an ice cream shop, in 1948, when she met the love of her life, the late John Hewitt. They were married two years later and, in 1954, moved to Fairfield, where they raised their six children, John Jr, Kathleen, Rick, Laureen, Paul, and Diane.
The Hewitts lived on Saddleview Court and then Farist Road for many years. From weekly Pinochle games to unforgettable weddings and parties at the Farist house, Laura was always happy to entertain and host.
She and John moved to Sandy Hook in 1991, shortly before John passed away. In her grief, she found purpose: serving those in need through Faith Food Pantry of Newtown. Laura developed great friendships during her 30 years volunteering at Faith. Tuesdays spent there became her "happy day."
Laura loved unconditionally, and like a true Italian, she showed it through food. Her meatballs and homemade breadcrumbs are legendary. Making the breadcrumbs was a labor of love for Laura, always by hand, never measured, with just the right feel, and undeniably delicious taste.
Laura was only about 5 feet tall, but her strength and faith were mighty. At 80, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and beat it. She beat breast cancer again 5 years later when it came back.
Even in the weeks before she passed, Laura remained sharp and hip. She was on Facebook, FaceTimed with family and friends daily, and liked watching TikTok videos on her iPad. She also enjoyed watching Turner Classic Movies and the Game Show Network from the comfort of her favorite spot on the couch, usually with a cup of tea.
Laura's greatest joy was her family. She always told each of them: "I love you more."
In addition to her husband of 41 years, Laura was predeceased by her brother, Frank, and his wife Josie; her son, Paul "Pumpkin" Hewitt, and daughter, Kathleen Hewitt. She is survived by her sons, John Jr (Donna) of FL, and Rick (Mindy) of Shelton; and her daughters, Laureen (Steve) Collins of Sandy Hook, and Diane (Carl) Massafra of Shelton. "Gigi" will be greatly missed by her 41 grandchildren and extended family and many dear friends.
Friends are invited to join a celebration of life on Monday, June 10, from 4-9 p.m., at the Heritage Hotel, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT. There will be a short prayer service at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Laura's name to Faith Food Pantry, PO Box 53, Newtown, CT 06470, or online at https://www.newtownfoodpantry.org/donations .